16"No one, after lighting a lamp, covers it with a vessel or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. [8:17] For nothing is hidden that will not become visible, and nothing is concealed that will not be known and come to light. [8:18] Take heed then how you hear. For whoever has — more will be given to him. And whoever does not have — even what he seems to have will be taken from him."
LUK 8:16-18
The Lesson of the Lamp
In the world it was spoken into
In the 1st-century Mediterranean world, lamps were essential household items, providing light in homes that often lacked windows. The imagery of a lamp would have been immediately familiar to Jesus’ audience, as oil lamps were ubiquitous in daily life. The mention of placing a lamp on a stand rather than hiding it under a vessel or bed would resonate with the practical necessity of maximizing light in a dark space. The , often a dining couch, was a place of social interaction, not just sleep, making the metaphor vivid in a communal context. The warning to 'be careful how you hear' reflects the honor-shame culture, where public perception and reputation were paramount. The idea that hidden things will be revealed aligns with Jewish apocalyptic thought, emphasizing divine accountability. The final statement about gaining or losing what one 'thinks they have' underscores the precarious nature of social and spiritual standing in a society where appearances could mask reality.
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How other translations render this
LUK 8:16
- KJV
- No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.
- BSB
- No one lights a lamp and covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he sets it on a stand, so those who enter can see the light.
- Koinōnos
- No one, after lighting a lamp, covers it with a vessel or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light.
LUK 8:17
- KJV
- For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.
- BSB
- For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be made known and brought to light.
- Koinōnos
- For nothing is hidden that will not become visible, and nothing is concealed that will not be known and come to light.
LUK 8:18
- KJV
- Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.
- BSB
- Pay attention, therefore, to how you listen. Whoever has will be given more, but whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him.”
- Koinōnos
- Take heed then how you hear. For whoever has — more will be given to him. And whoever does not have — even what he seems to have will be taken from him.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
LUK 8:16
- with a vessel:The word translated 'vessel' here refers to a wide range of household items or implements, not just a specific type of container. It could mean any piece of equipment or utensil.
- a bed:The term used here for 'bed' could also refer to a couch or reclining place, often used for dining as well as sleeping, indicating a common piece of household furniture.
LUK 8:18
- do take heed:The phrase 'do take heed' comes from a word that means to see or perceive, but in this context, it carries the sense of paying close attention or being careful in one's observation.
- he seems:The word translated 'he seems' often implies an opinion or a judgment, suggesting that something appears to be true, rather than a definitive statement of fact.